Pyramus en Thisbe c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer's "Pyramus en Thisbe" is a small woodcut that depicts the tragic end of the lovers Pyramus and Thisbe from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The print, executed sometime between 1506 and 1538, showcases Altdorfer's meticulous detail and mastery of the woodcut medium. The scene is set in a dense forest, the rich detail of the foliage and the dramatic use of light and shadow effectively creating a sense of foreboding. Thisbe, overcome with grief, kneels beside the lifeless body of Pyramus, her outstretched arm suggesting a desperate plea for her beloved. The artwork's small size and intimate composition create a powerful emotional impact, highlighting the tragic nature of the lovers' fate.